What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Talk to you about any medications, herbs, and dietary supplements that you may be taking—You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

Be sure that you have a ride to and from the hospital the day of your surgery.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
will be used. It will block pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV or nasal mask.

Description of the Procedure

The doctor will make a cut in front of the ear and down into the neck. The nerves in the area will be located and protected during surgery. There are two types of parotidectomy surgery. The type you will have depends on why the surgery is being done.

If you have a tumor and it is above the facial nerve, then a superficial parotidectomy is done. The tumor and affected tissue can usually be removed safely without harming the nerve.

If you have a tumor that surrounds or grows into the facial nerve, a total parotidectomy is done. The tumor, affected tissue, and parts of the nerve are removed.

After all tissue has been removed, the area will be closed with sutures. A drain will be placed behind your ear. It will be used to remove any fluids, such as blood and saliva, from the wound.

How Long Will It Take?

Superficial parotidectomy—3-4 hours

Total parotidectomy—5 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

Most will go home the day after surgery, once they are able to eat and walk around on their own. Some may need to stay longer if there are any complications.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

After the surgery is over, you will be moved to a recovery room. The hospital staff will monitor you. The staff may:

Check your facial movements by asking you to smile or pout

Show you how to care for the drain, because you will have it when you go home

Preventing Infection

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding your healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incision

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Follow your doctor's instructions for keeping the wound clean. This may include changing bandages.

Follow the instructions for caring for your drain. It will usually be removed in 2-4 days.

You may also need to return to the doctor to have the sutures removed. This may be in 4-6 days. When the sutures are out, clean the area with mild soap and water.

Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, a lot of bleeding, or discharge from the surgery site

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